What makes Sinbad by Weldon Irvine notable?

This album is notable for its seamless integration of jazz with elements of funk and soul, which influenced many subsequent artists in the genre. It features a cover of Stevie Wonder's 'Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing', which received acclaim for its reinterpretation during a time when jazz was evolving into more experimental forms. By 1976, Weldon Irvine had established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, following the success of his earlier works. 'Sinbad' marked his fourth album and exhibited his growth in blending genres while maintaining an innovative approach to composition.

How many songs are on Sinbad?

Sinbad has 8 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Sinbad

Weldon Irvine · 1976

40 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and soul that showcases Weldon Irvine's dynamic piano and engaging grooves.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing — This track reimagines Stevie Wonder's classic with a fresh jazz-funk groove, highlighting Irvine's skillful piano work and vocal improvisation.
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Music Is the Key — The centerpiece of the album, this track combines intricate melodies with uplifting lyrics, embodying Irvine's message about the transformative power of music.
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Gospel Feeling — This track stands out for its rich emotional depth and vocal harmonies, reflecting Irvine's background in gospel music while showcasing his versatility as an artist.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz, funk, and soul with strong arrangements and engaging grooves.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features an extended piano solo, setting a vibrant tone for the record.
Each track incorporates intricate rhythmic patterns, blending jazz improvisation with funk grooves.
The final track, 'Gospel Feeling', concludes the album with a slower tempo, creating a reflective atmosphere.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Gospel Feeling

The lyrics shift from personal reflection to communal celebration through rhythmic calls and response patterns.

This structural choice creates an immersive experience, inviting listeners to engage with the music on a deeper level and emphasizing unity.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Sinbad 6:25
2 Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing 5:54
3 What's Going On 4:40
4 I Love You 3:06
5 Do Something for Yourself 4:49
6 Music Is the Key 7:39
7 Here's Where I Came In 3:47
8 Gospel Feeling 4:18

What to play next

Go back to

Spirit Man

1975

Full Weldon Irvine discography Artists like Weldon Irvine

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata